Okay. As countdowns go, it may not be as exciting as a Space Shuttle launch at Cape Canaveral or as colorful as a Miss America context, but following the top-five countdown of America's top states for business has its share of suspense.

Attracting business—and jobs—is a high priority in every state. But in an anemic economy where jobs are in short supply, attracting business today is a matter of economic survival. Our fourth annual study of America's Top States for Business puts all 50 states to the test, measuring them on 40 different metrics in ten key categories of competitiveness.

Cities and states across the country are working hard to overcome the double whammy of an economic slump and a fiscal budget crunch. We decided to add some perspective to our massive study by taking a look at development and job creation plans on the local level. For that, we solicited reports, or local views, from TV stations under the NBC umbrella.